Ryan Backs Free Speech amid Trump Threat to Yank NBC Licenses

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) isn't directly responding to President Trump's threat to yank NBC's broadcast licenses, but does say he supports the First Amendment. |
Photo: U.S. House of Representatives

October 12, 2017 04:23 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) - House Speaker Paul Ryan affirms his support for the First Amendment amid the president's threats to yank NBC's broadcast licenses.

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Ryan told journalists Thursday, "I'm a constitutional conservative, I'm for the First Amendment."

The First Amendment to the Constitution protects the freedom of the press.

Ryan added, "I don't always agree and like what you guys write, but you have a right to do it, and I'm a constitutional conservative and I'm just going to leave it at that."

Trump is threatening NBC's broadcast licenses because he's not happy with how its news division has covered him and calls it "fake news." But experts say his threats aren't likely to lead to any action.

Pressed on Trump's view, Ryan said only, "This is how I see it," and moved on.